Semirara Mining says DENR finds Molave project compliant with environmental laws

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has found in its audit that Semirara Mining and Power Corp.'s (SMPC) Molave coal mine expansion project is compliant with environmental laws, the company said Tuesday.

In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange, SMPC said it received on Tuesday the copies of the audit report from the DENR, Environmental Management Bureau Region IV.

"In summary, the project is found to be technically sound considering that all aspects have been considered such as slope stability analysis, analyses of pumping tests of dewatering wells, GHG (greenhouse gas) emission reduction program, etc.," the DENR's report read.

The Molave coal mine is in Caluya, Antique province.

"Although there were complaints received regarding the operation of the mining project, it is recommended that a dialogue with the complainants be undertaken especially those who are not residents of the island to discuss the subject of the complaints and possible solutions," the report added.

The audit was conducted on August 30-31, 2016 by the DENR Audit Team composed of representatives from the EMB Central Office, EMB Region 6, Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) Region 6, PENRO-Antique, Provincial Health Office of Antique and Civil Society Organizations.

"Tri-media personnel were also present to observe during the conduct of the said audit," according to the report.

Earlier, the DENR has ordered SMPC to explain why the Environmental Compliance Certificate of its Molave projects should not be revoked.

The department also ordered the miner to explain the collateral issues raised against the mining operations, which includes toxic waste, sulfur of coal produced, adverse effect on the lives of seaweed farmers, 47-percent poverty rate in Semirara island, and alleged land-grabbing. — Ted Cordero/VDS, GMA News